Rahm eyes Irish Open title

PORTSTEWART: Jon Rahm shot a second straight 5-under 67 at the Irish Open and moved into a share of the lead with Daniel Im in the third round on Saturday.

On a day of good scoring over the links at Portstewart Golf Club, the 11th-ranked Rahm moved to 17 under par overall after making four consecutive birdies from No.11 and parring his way home.

Im, who was tied for the lead with Benjamin Hebert after the first two rounds, birdied five of his opening 14 holes and scrambled superbly at the end to shoot a 68 and stay alongside Rahm. Hebert is a stroke behind after shooting 69.

Rahm, one of golf’s hottest talents, tied for 10th at the French Open last week in the Spaniard’s first appearance on the European Tour and looks in good shape to collect his second victory of 2017, after the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on the US PGA Tour in January.

Having turned professional only a little over a year ago, Rahm also finished third and second in his first two World Golf Championship events.

“I’ve never led going into the final round so I am a little inexperienced in that sense,’’ said Rahm, who was persuaded to play the event by tournament host Rory McIlroy. “I have exceeded my expectations massively. My putting and short game has never been my best ally on links courses, but this week has been the opposite. And it feels great.’’

LEADING THIRD ROUND SCORES

(GBR/IRL unless stated, par-72)

199 — Jon Rahm (ESP) 65-67-67, Daniel Im (USA) 64-67-68

200 — Benjamin Hebert (FRA) 64-67-69

201 — Hideto Tanihara (JPN) 70-65-66

202 — Julien Quesne (FRA) 70-68-64

203 — Scott Hend (AUS) 71-68-64, Ryan Fox (NZL) 67-66-70, Justin Rose 67-70-66, Oliver Fisher 65-68-70